House OKs $2.4 billion for nanotech R&D

By William Jackson

May 15, 2003

The House earlier this month approved a bill to establish a National Nanotechnology R&D Program.

HR 766 promises 'to ensure continued U.S. leadership in nanotechnology' by authorizing $2.4 billion over the next three years for research on molecular technologies. An interagency coordination office would oversee the funding through five agencies, and an advisory committee with members from industry and academic institutions would provide program guidance.

Under the bill, the National Science Foundation, Energy Department, NASA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Environmental Protection Agency would receive $713 million in fiscal 2004, $784.5 million the following year and $864 million in 2006.